Endemol USA acquires 51 Minds Entertainment

Mumbai: Endemol Group announced the acquisition of 51 Minds Entertainment, an independent production company renowned for some of the most provocative programming on air, including Flavor of Love, I Love New York and The Surreal Life.

51 Minds Entertainment was created by bringing together Cris Abrego’s 51 Pictures and Mark Cronin’s Mindless Entertainment. The company’s programming has helped catapult VH1 to a top ten cable network having delivered 20 series representing 11 different hit franchises that are the network’s highest rated originals. 51 Minds Entertainment continues delivering hit after hit, giving VH1 its biggest audiences ever.

In addition to traditional broadcast ratings success, 51 Minds Entertainments’ programs have also helped foster growth in VH1’s digital and VOD platforms. The company’s digital content is a major driver for VH1.com, at one point making up over 85% of the site’s streams and two-thirds of VOD orders.

"Cris and I are excited about joining forces with Endemol," stated 51 Minds Entertainment principal Mark Cronin. "They are a powerful player in formatted Network Television and have the ability to exploit their programming on a global scale. Their expertise and resources will help expand our reach and take our company to the next level."

"Our intention is to stay on course and continue to provide more hit programming for VH1 while simultaneously expanding to Network Television and new media outlets," added 51 Minds Entertainment principal Cris Abrego. "We will maintain our independent profile while taking advantage of our new international access."

"51 Minds is a very unique company which has demonstrated the rare ability to consistently deliver a high volume of hit shows," said Endemol USA president and CEO David Goldberg. "The acquisition of 51 Minds infuses the Endemol Group with fresh content, expands the library and significantly increases our US market share. I look forward with great enthusiasm to working with Cris, Mark and the 51 Minds team as we search for new ways to expand their already impressive business."

Endemol USA SVP of corporate development Ron Milkes added, "This is an excellent acquisition for Endemol USA, both in terms of expanding Endemol USA’s position in reality television programming, as well as helping Endemol USA’s continued expansion into the creation of digital and advertiser funded content."

51 Minds Entertainment currently employs more than 200 people. Following Endemol’s acquisition, 51 Minds Entertainment will continue to operate out of its offices in Los Angeles as an independent studio within Endemol USA.